Valerian’s anti-anxiety, anti-convulsant, and sedative properties may be due to the effects of Valernic aid and other constituents on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), adenosine A1, and serotonin (5HT) receptors. Some clinical research shows that taking ground valerian root 225 mg three times daily for 8 weeks reduces hot flash severity by 47% and hot flash frequency by 39% compared to baseline in postmenopausal women. Additional clinical research shows that taking valerian root extract 530 mg twice daily for 2 months reduces hot flash severity in 80% of patients and reduces hot flash frequency by 49% compared to baseline in postmenopausal women. In both studies, these improvements were significant compared to placebo treatment.